I was wondering if anyone could comment on how easy it would be to pick up a virus from a water source? I have an inline Sawyer water filter that is 0.10 micron and it blocks just about everything but viruses which the 0.02 filter does. I have always wondered if it was easy to get a virus or not or if it is just one of those things more reserved to third world countries. Thanks.

I thought a Sawyer 0.02 filter might be a better long term solution for water but i see it does not get rid of a lot of the viruses. The Steripen Adventurer looks like an answer but I wish it used standard batteries that could be bought as rechargeables.

Really, where? The Classic looks okay also and the Freedom also but I don't know where to get a micro USB b port solar charger that is reliable. But then I really don't know how to get a solar charger that will connect to a AA or the batteries the Adventurer uses that is reliable either.

Oh, cool - I haven't seen the Freedom before. I think I want a new toy. The micro USB adapter cable is included with the unit. You just need any charger, solar or otherwise, that has a regular old USB port. Plenty of them out there.

As for charging 123a's, or AA,'s my solution was an Ansmann Vario Pro charger, which accepts input from a 12v nominal solar panel (lighter plug). It will do either in the field and is small and light.

But honestly, field solar solutions that actually work are big, heavy, complex things and very rarely worth the effort (over just carrying extra batteries). I have a 10-watt unit. The whole setup weighs nearly a pound... and you still need sun :) It can charge anything electronic in my kit, but you can carry a whole lot of extra batteries for a lots less than a pound, and not have the fuss.

For the last two years I have had good experiences with the PowerFilm Chargers. I own two versions - a charger for four AA batteries and a charger for two AA & USB. My long-term experience is so far limited to charging AAs for my SteriPen Classic, GPS, headlamp, etc. on two JMTs. So far I have used the USB charging for a weekend with the SteriPen Freedom with good results, but can't yet say how it would work for three weeks on the trail. When charging via USB you need to first charge the AAs at least partially and you can charge the USB device also from the AAs if there is no sun which might come in handy.